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DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20200418T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20200418T120000
DTSTAMP:20260427T092333
CREATED:20180822T012510Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200327T182937Z
UID:4967-1587207600-1587211200@natureinnovato.com
SUMMARY:CANCELLED Backyard Birdsong at Novato Library
DESCRIPTION:By mid-April\, spring’s crescendo of birdsong is at its peak. In this seminar at the Novato Library\, we’ll introduce you to the most common songs and other vocalizations heard from our backyard birds. In addition to learning how to recognize about a dozen of our favorite yard birds by ear\, you’ll also gain insight into questions like: \n\nWhy do birds sing? Which kinds of birds sing and when?\nWhat are other bird calls communicating?\nHow do you learn birdsong? What tips\, tricks\, and techniques will make it easier both to remember these birds and to learn others in the future?\n\nNothing will help you to observe more birds more than learning their songs and calls\, and there’s no better place to start recognizing their vocalizations than in your own yard. \nThis free presentation at the Novato Library will begin at 11 AM on Saturday\, April 18 and last about 45 minutes\, with time for questions afterwards. No registration required. This seminar has been cancelled due to the ongoing COVID-19 health measures. We will reschedule when possible. \nCan’t make it to this seminar? Check out our article on Our Ten Most Common Backyard Birdsongs. \nHeader photo: mockingbird by Allan Hack.
URL:https://natureinnovato.com/event/birdsong-talk-4-18-20/
LOCATION:Novato Library\, 1720 Novato Blvd\, Novato\, CA\, 94947\, United States
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://natureinnovato.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/mockingbird-allan-hack-wide.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Wild Birds Unlimited":MAILTO:wbumarin@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20200315T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20200315T103000
DTSTAMP:20260427T092333
CREATED:20180325T005424Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200229T192830Z
UID:4971-1584261000-1584268200@natureinnovato.com
SUMMARY:Deer Island Bird Walk
DESCRIPTION:Join Jack and Corrina from Wild Birds Unlimited for a gentle walk around this Novato preserve as we say farewell to many of our winter visitors. We will search the oak savanna and woodlands for Say’s phoebes\, ruby-crowned kinglets\, and Townsend’s warblers while we scan the nearby wetlands for waterfowl that will soon be off to their breeding grounds. Meanwhile\, residents birds and early spring migrants should be singing\, swallow numbers over the wetlands will be rising\, and local raptors will be getting territorial. \nTo learn more about the birds\, habitats\, and octopus trees we’ll encounter\, see our profile of Deer Island or check recent sightings on eBird. \nReserve your space by selecting your number of participants and clicking on “Confirm RSVP” above. This walk is now fully booked. Please see our Walks & Talks page for upcoming events from other groups and check back for our April events. We’ll meet at Deer Island (see below for directions) at 8:30 AM on Sunday\, March 15 and wrap up around 10:30 AM. Bring binoculars if you have them and please leave pets at home; we will have a few extra loaner pairs of binos available. This walk involves a gentle\, mostly level stroll of 1.8 miles around the “island.” Note that there are no restrooms or other facilities at this preserve. \nNature in Novato bird walks are intended for persons in reasonably good health and physical condition. Participants must be capable of walking over uneven terrain and be adequately prepared for the prevailing outdoor conditions. By registering for this walk\, I acknowledge that participation entails known and unanticipated risks\, including personal injury to myself and others and property damage. Notwithstanding these risks\, I wish to assume them by voluntarily participating in these activities. I hereby release Nature in Novato\, Wild Birds Unlimited\, and their officers\, employees\, and affiliates from any and all liability for any injury or loss arising out of my participation in these activities. \nKinglet by Jacob McGinnis. Soon they shall be gone – first they sing!\nDirections to Deer Island: From Hwy 101 in Novato\, take the exit for Atherton Ave east 1.7 miles. Turn right onto Olive Ave and left onto Deer Island Ln. Gate and small parking area will be on your right. For GPS\, you can use 320 Deer Island Lane\, which is the building closest to the trailhead parking area. \nHeader image: Deer Island’s green trails in springtime freshness. 
URL:https://natureinnovato.com/event/deer-island-walk-3-15-20/
LOCATION:Deer Island Open Space Preserve\, 320 Deer Island Ln\, Novato\, CA\, 94945\, United States
CATEGORIES:Walks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://natureinnovato.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/deer-island-trail-blog.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Wild Birds Unlimited":MAILTO:wbumarin@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20200314T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20200314T120000
DTSTAMP:20260427T092333
CREATED:20180822T012510Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200312T225603Z
UID:4918-1584183600-1584187200@natureinnovato.com
SUMMARY:Native Trees at Novato Library
DESCRIPTION:My favorite oak\nUpdate: The March 14th Tree Talk has been cancelled due to COVID-19 precautionary measures.\nWe talk a lot about birds – but not exclusively! In our March talk\, we’ll be introducing you to all the major native trees of Marin. Getting to grips with the bulk of our trees is easier than doing the same with birds: these 25 or so species will cover 95% of what you encounter in our woodlands and forests. Spend a relaxing hour with us one Saturday morning and you’ll be prepared to both identify and understand our local trees. Questions like the following will no longer be a mystery to you: \n\nHow do you tell a redwood from a Douglas-fir? Do we have giant sequoias here?\nWhat is Marin’s one native pine tree? What is the other one that you see everywhere?\nMadrone or manzanita?\nWhat’s going on with Sudden Oak Death?\nWhat are the best field guides to local trees? (Hint: Jack wrote one.)\n\n* * * \nThis free presentation at the Novato Library will begin at 11 AM on Saturday\, March 14th and last about 45 minutes\, with time for questions afterwards. No registration required.  All Marin County library events for March have now been cancelled due to COVID-19 precautionary measures. \nHeader photo: live oak acorns by Eric Hunt \n 
URL:https://natureinnovato.com/event/tree-talk-3-14-20/
LOCATION:Novato Library\, 1720 Novato Blvd\, Novato\, CA\, 94947\, United States
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://natureinnovato.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/acorns-eric-hunt-2x1.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Wild Birds Unlimited":MAILTO:wbumarin@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20200223T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20200223T110000
DTSTAMP:20260427T092333
CREATED:20180523T215442Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200122T225602Z
UID:4759-1582452000-1582455600@natureinnovato.com
SUMMARY:Backyard Birdsong Seminar
DESCRIPTION:By late February\, spring’s crescendo of birdsong is already well underway. In this in-store seminar\, we’ll introduce you to the most common songs and other vocalizations heard from our backyard birds. In addition to learning how to recognize about a dozen of our favorite yard birds by ear\, you’ll also gain insight into questions like: \n\nWhy do birds sing? Which kinds of birds sing and when?\nWhat are other bird calls communicating?\nHow do you learn birdsong? What tips\, tricks\, and techniques will make it easier both to remember these birds and to learn others in the future?\n\nNothing will help you to observe more birds more than learning their songs and calls\, and there’s no better place to start recognizing their vocalizations than in your own yard. \nThis free presentation at Wild Birds Unlimited of Novato will begin at 10 AM on Sunday\, February 23rd and last about 45 minutes\, with time for questions afterwards – bird sound identification challenges are welcome! If you would like to attend\, please reserve your space by choosing your number of attendees and clicking “Confirm RSVP” above.  \nCan’t make it to this seminar? Check out our article on Our Ten Most Common Backyard Birdsongs.
URL:https://natureinnovato.com/event/birdsong-talk-2-23-20/
LOCATION:Wild Birds Unlimited\, 104 Vintage Way\, Ste. A-7\, Novato\, CA\, 94945\, United States
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://natureinnovato.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/mockingbird-allan-hack-wide.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Wild Birds Unlimited":MAILTO:wbumarin@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20200220T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20200220T120000
DTSTAMP:20260427T092333
CREATED:20180828T220642Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200131T202207Z
UID:4754-1582189200-1582200000@natureinnovato.com
SUMMARY:Hamilton Wetlands "Behind the Scenes" Birding
DESCRIPTION:Our full array of winter shorebirds has now arrived\, and there is no better local area for large numbers and diversity of plovers\, sandpipers\, stilts\, avocets\, and much more than at the restored Hamilton Wetlands in Novato. At this time of year\, waterfowl and raptor numbers are also at their peak\, and winter songbirds like Say’s phoebes and Lincoln’s sparrows are in place. On this special “behind the scenes” trip\, we’ll travel in carpools on levees roads normally closed to public access from where we’ll get unique views of the wetlands as we approach the breach to San Pablo Bay. Our guides will be David Sexton\, long-time bird monitor throughout the restoration project\, and Jack from Wild Birds Unlimited\, who also volunteers with the Hamilton bird monitoring. To learn more about some of the birds we’ll see\, take a look at our Hamilton Wetlands profile. \nReserve your space by selecting your number of participants and clicking on “Confirm RSVP” above.  This walk is currently fully booked. Please take a look at other upcoming events with us and other local organizations. \nNorthern Shovelers by Ellen & Tony\nWe will be meeting at the skate park parking lot at 1200 Hamilton Parkway in Novato at 9 AM on Thursday\, February 20th. From there we will gather into as few vehicles as possible before continuing into the wetlands restoration area. We will start with a  brief visit with Christina McWhorter\, director of the restoration project\, to learn more about the ongoing work to welcome native plants and wildlife back to the area (last restrooms available here at the nursery). We’ll spend the bulk of our time birding near our convoy of cars at a few stops along the levee\, with perhaps a short walk at adjacent Pacheco Pond if we have extra time before getting back to the starting location around noon. \nThis field trip will potentially have a small amount of level walking\, but will mostly involve slow travel by car with birding at designated stopping points. Participants should be prepared to stay for the whole duration of the walk and to carpool\, as we will be required to compress into as few vehicles as possible. Please leave pets at home and bring binoculars if you have them; we’ll have a few loaner pairs available as well as a few spotting scopes to share. \nWild Birds Unlimited bird walks are intended for persons in reasonably good health and physical condition. Participants must be capable of walking over uneven terrain and be adequately prepared for the prevailing outdoor conditions. By registering for this walk\, I acknowledge that participation entails known and unanticipated risks\, including personal injury to myself and others and property damage. Notwithstanding these risks\, I wish to assume them by voluntarily participating in these activities. I hereby release Wild Birds Unlimited and its officers\, employees\, and affiliates from any and all liability for any injury or loss arising out of my participation in these activities. \nHeader image: A flock of “peeps” (least or western sandpipers) takes flight\, photo by Don McCullough on Flickr. I love watching those big undulating flocks – Hamilton is the place to see them around here. 
URL:https://natureinnovato.com/event/hamilton-2-20-20/
LOCATION:Hamilton Wetlands – Skatepark Lot\, 1200 Hamilton Parkway\, Novato\, CA\, 94949\, United States
CATEGORIES:Walks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://natureinnovato.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Peep-flock-Don-McCullough-.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Wild Birds Unlimited":MAILTO:wbumarin@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20200215T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20200215T120000
DTSTAMP:20260427T092333
CREATED:20180320T225907Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200205T190537Z
UID:4750-1581760800-1581768000@natureinnovato.com
SUMMARY:Loch Lomond Bird Walk
DESCRIPTION:This walk is now fully booked. Take a look at our Walks and Talks page for more upcoming events. \nJoin leaders Jack and Angela from Wild Birds Unlimited for a late fall walk at San Rafael’s Loch Lomond Marina. We’ll be particularly looking out for rocky shoreline birds like oystercatchers\, black turnstones\, and spotted sandpipers\, but we’re also certain to see various ducks and other waterbirds as we explore this bayfront trail. To learn more about the birds of Loch Lomond\, see our full site profile. We will be walking about a mile at a very slow pace along a level trail; restroom available at trailhead. \nBlack turnstone – Andy Reago\nReserve your space by selecting your number of participants and clicking on “Confirm RSVP” above.  \nWild Birds Unlimited bird walks are intended for persons in reasonably good health and physical condition. Participants must be capable of walking over uneven terrain and be adequately prepared for the prevailing outdoor conditions. By registering for this walk\, I acknowledge that participation entails known and unanticipated risks\, including personal injury to myself and others and property damage. Notwithstanding these risks\, I wish to assume them by voluntarily participating in these activities. I hereby release Wild Birds Unlimited and its officers\, employees\, and affiliates from any and all liability for any injury or loss arising out of my participation in these activities. \nDirections to meeting area: The Loch Lomond Marina is located immediately off of Point San Pedro Rd. about 1.6 miles east of downtown San Rafael. Address for GPS is 110 Loch Lomond Dr. Upon entering the marina\, proceed to the far left end of the parking area\, where we will meet by the signed trailhead leading out on the jetty. \nHeader photo: Black Oystercatcher by Nicole Beaulac
URL:https://natureinnovato.com/event/loch-lomond-2-15-20/
LOCATION:Loch Lomond Marina\, 110 Loch Lomond Dr\, San Rafael\, CA\, 94901\, United States
CATEGORIES:Walks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://natureinnovato.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/oystercatcher-nicole-beaulac-header.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Wild Birds Unlimited":MAILTO:wbumarin@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20200126T133000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20200126T153000
DTSTAMP:20260427T092333
CREATED:20190105T230757Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200125T220927Z
UID:4616-1580045400-1580052600@natureinnovato.com
SUMMARY:Las Gallinas Ponds Bird Walk
DESCRIPTION:Join guest leader Mark Schulist and Jack from Nature in Novato for this walk at San Rafael’s Las Gallinas Ponds. These water treatment ponds offer year-round\, food-rich waters that attract a wide variety of birds and this is the busiest season of all. We’ll see hundreds of ducks\, as well as other waterbirds\, raptors\, and songbirds. This is one of the best places to start learning about birds\, with a large variety of distinctive\, easy to see species at relatively close distances. To learn more about the birds of Las Gallinas\, see our site profile. \nMute swan – Philip Goddard\nBring binoculars if you have them and please leave pets at home; we will have a few extra loaner pairs of binos and a few spotting scopes to share. We will be walking up to two miles at a slow pace on a level trail. Reserve your space by selecting your number of participants and clicking on “Confirm RSVP” above. \nWild Birds Unlimited bird walks are intended for persons in reasonably good health and physical condition. Participants must be capable of walking over uneven terrain and be adequately prepared for the prevailing outdoor conditions. By registering for this walk\, I acknowledge that participation entails known and unanticipated risks\, including personal injury to myself and others and property damage. Notwithstanding these risks\, I wish to assume them by voluntarily participating in these activities. I hereby release Wild Birds Unlimited and its officers\, employees\, and affiliates from any and all liability for any injury or loss arising out of my participation in these activities. \nDirections to meeting area: To reach the Las Gallinas Ponds\, head east on Smith Ranch Road and continue to the end of the road where it enters McInnis Park. Immediately after crossing the train tracks\, turn left (following the small sign for the wildlife ponds) and continue until you reach the small parking area across the bridge from the ponds. The address for the adjacent water treatment facility is 300 Smith Ranch Road\, which will essentially take you there – just park at the public parking area outside of the facility. \nHeader image: A pair of common mergansers at Las Gallinas\, by Doug Greenberg on Flickr. 
URL:https://natureinnovato.com/event/las-gallinas-1-26-20/
LOCATION:Las Gallinas Ponds\, 300 Smith Ranch Rd\, San Rafael\, CA\, 94903\, United States
CATEGORIES:Walks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://natureinnovato.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/mergansers-doug-greenberg.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Wild Birds Unlimited":MAILTO:wbumarin@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20200119T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20200119T110000
DTSTAMP:20260427T092333
CREATED:20190223T220338Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20191220T233803Z
UID:4611-1579428000-1579431600@natureinnovato.com
SUMMARY:Bird Conservation at the Backyard Level
DESCRIPTION:One easy way to help birds: window decals to prevent collisions.\nMany issues in bird conservation impact birds at regional\, national\, or even global scales. But there are also many opportunities to safeguard and foster local bird populations around your own home. Birders often aim to directly help backyard birds with feeders\, nest boxes\, bird baths\, and plantings: how can the benefits of these tools be maximized\, while avoiding potentially negative side effects? At the same time\, humans often unintentionally harm birds when we are unaware of both our detrimental impacts and viable alternatives: how can we ameliorate the harm caused by window strikes\, pesticide and rodenticide use\, and cat predation? In this presentation\, Jack Gedney will touch on a variety of ways in which your own actions can support local birds and give you the knowledge to spread better practices among your neighborhood and community. \nThis free presentation at Wild Birds Unlimited of Novato will begin at 10 AM on Sunday\, January 19 and last about 45 minutes\, with time for questions afterwards. If you would like to attend\, please reserve your space by choosing your number of attendees and clicking “Confirm RSVP” above. 
URL:https://natureinnovato.com/event/conservation-talk-1-19-20/
LOCATION:Wild Birds Unlimited\, 104 Vintage Way\, Ste. A-7\, Novato\, CA\, 94945\, United States
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://natureinnovato.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Tree-Swallows-Susie-Kelly-event-header.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20200112T133000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20200112T160000
DTSTAMP:20260427T092333
CREATED:20180320T225907Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20191230T235328Z
UID:4579-1578835800-1578844800@natureinnovato.com
SUMMARY:Bahia Lagoon Bird Walk
DESCRIPTION:Join guest leader Heather Cameron and Jack from Nature in Novato for this walk at the Bahia Lagoon in northern Novato. This pond near the mouth of the Petaluma River is a local hotspot for common goldeneye (with a few of the less common Barrow’s goldeneye often present)\, as well as other diving ducks and grebes\, raptors including kestrels\, kites\, and harriers\, and a variety of other wetland and open country songbirds including song and Savannah sparrows\, Say’s phoebes\, and western meadowlarks. After observing the water birds for an hour and a half or so\, we will briefly adjourn to the very nearby Bahia trailhead of the Rush Creek Open Space Preserve\, from where we can see some different ducks and shorebirds on the tidal mudflats as well as woodland songbirds for our remaining hour. \nBring binoculars if you have them and please leave pets at home; we will have a few extra loaner pairs of binos and a few spotting scopes to share. We will be walking a short distance on mostly level trails at a slow pace\, with no challenges other than winter birding’s possibilities of cool temperatures and a few puddles. (And we’ve even scheduled this as a rare afternoon walk to try to avoid the chilliest morning conditions!) \nBufflehead by Doug Greenberg\nReserve your space by selecting your number of participants and clicking on “Confirm RSVP” above.  This walk is now fully booked; check back soon for next month’s events. \nWild Birds Unlimited bird walks are intended for persons in reasonably good health and physical condition. Participants must be capable of walking over uneven terrain and be adequately prepared for the prevailing outdoor conditions. By registering for this walk\, I acknowledge that participation entails known and unanticipated risks\, including personal injury to myself and others and property damage. Notwithstanding these risks\, I wish to assume them by voluntarily participating in these activities. I hereby release Wild Birds Unlimited and its officers\, employees\, and affiliates from any and all liability for any injury or loss arising out of my participation in these activities. \nDirections to meeting area: To reach Bahia\, take the Atherton exit off 101 in northern Novato. Travelling east on Atherton\, turn left on Bugeia Ln\, which turns into Bahia Dr. At the end of Bahia Dr\, turn right on Topaz and continue to the end\, where you can park by the club house\, which has an address you can use for a convenient GPS reference at 3008 Topaz Dr\, Novato\, and on the adjacent dead-end roadside. \nHeader photo: common goldeneye by zenbikescience. 
URL:https://natureinnovato.com/event/bahia-1-12-20/
LOCATION:Bahia Lagoon\, 3008 Topaz Dr\, Novato\, CA\, 94945\, United States
CATEGORIES:Walks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://natureinnovato.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Common-Goldeneye-zenbikescience-wide.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Wild Birds Unlimited":MAILTO:wbumarin@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20191229T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20191229T113000
DTSTAMP:20260427T092333
CREATED:20180320T225907Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20191206T164812Z
UID:4466-1577611800-1577619000@natureinnovato.com
SUMMARY:Hamilton Bird Walk
DESCRIPTION:American Avocet – Allan Hack\nJoin Jack and Corrina from Nature in Novato for a winter walk on the Bay Trail at the Hamilton Wetlands. The expansive restored wetlands attract thousands of shorebirds\, waterfowl\, and other birds in the fall and winter months. Mudflats attract sandpipers\, plovers\, curlews and more; shallow water fills with stilts\, avocets\, yellowlegs\, and willets – nowhere else in Novato attracts a wider variety of shorebirds. By December\, Hamilton is also a great place for seeing raptors like kites\, harriers\, and falcons. \nReserve your space by selecting your number of participants and clicking on “Confirm RSVP” above.  This walk is now full; check back later this month for January events. We’ll be meeting at the parking area of the South Novato Park near the end of Hangar Ave (see directions below). Note that this walk includes a few miles of leisurely walking on a flat\, level trail. There are portable toilets at the trailhead. \nWild Birds Unlimited bird walks are intended for persons in reasonably good health and physical condition. Participants must be capable of walking over uneven terrain and be adequately prepared for the prevailing outdoor conditions. By registering for this walk\, I acknowledge that participation entails known and unanticipated risks\, including personal injury to myself and others and property damage. Notwithstanding these risks\, I wish to assume them by voluntarily participating in these activities. I hereby release Wild Birds Unlimited and its officers\, employees\, and affiliates from any and all liability for any injury or loss arising out of my participation in these activities. \nDirections to South Novato Park parking lot: From Highway 101 take the Ignacio/Bel Marin Keys exit. Stay right onto Nave Drive .7 mi\, go left at Main Gate Rd\, .4 mi\, Main Gate Rd becomes S Palm Dr\, .5mi\, turn right onto Hangar Ave. The parking lot is near the end of Hangar Ave. on the right beneath the solar panels. \nHeader photo: Sandpiper flock by Don McCullough. 
URL:https://natureinnovato.com/event/hamilton-12-29-19/
LOCATION:Hamilton – Sports Field Lot\, Hangar Ave and Maybeck St\, Novato\, CA\, 94949\, United States
CATEGORIES:Walks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://natureinnovato.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Peep-flock-Don-McCullough-.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Wild Birds Unlimited":MAILTO:wbumarin@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20191215T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20191215T110000
DTSTAMP:20260427T092333
CREATED:20180523T215442Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20191127T212438Z
UID:4463-1576404000-1576407600@natureinnovato.com
SUMMARY:Seminar: Ducks & Other Swimming Birds
DESCRIPTION:Cinnamon Teal – George Gentry\nEarlier in fall\, we hosted a seminar on our local shorebirds – the sandpipers\, plovers\, and so on that run along the shore or wade in the shallows. Now as move into winter\, we’ll be covering the swimming birds: ducks\, geese\, swans\, grebes\, and a smattering of rails and cormorants. If you’d like to learn how to see and identify more birds in local ponds and wetlands this winter\, this is the talk for you. \nIn this in-store presentation\, we’ll present an overview of our different waterbird families (what is a grebe anyways?)\, give some helpful tips for identification\, then move on to a brisk tour of about 25 of our most notable local ducks and other swimming waterbirds\, discussing life history highlights\, local sites in which to find them\, and how to identify the potentially tricky ones. \nThis free presentation at Wild Birds Unlimited of Novato will begin at 10 AM on Sunday\, December 15 and last about 45 minutes\, with time for questions afterwards. If you would like to attend\, please reserve your space by choosing your number of attendees and clicking “Confirm RSVP” above.  \nHeader image: common mergansers by Doug Greenberg. 
URL:https://natureinnovato.com/event/duck-talk-12-15-19/
LOCATION:Wild Birds Unlimited\, 104 Vintage Way\, Ste. A-7\, Novato\, CA\, 94945\, United States
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://natureinnovato.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/mergansers-doug-greenberg.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Wild Birds Unlimited":MAILTO:wbumarin@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20191123T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20191123T113000
DTSTAMP:20260427T092333
CREATED:20180801T002949Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20191102T212434Z
UID:4290-1574499600-1574508600@natureinnovato.com
SUMMARY:Rush Creek Bird Walk
DESCRIPTION:The shorebirds and ducks are here! For this walk at Rush Creek Open Space Preserve in northern Novato\, join Jack and Corrina from Nature in Novato as we walk out on the flat Pinheiro Fire Road for about 1.3 miles\, looking at birds along the way\, to reach Cemetery Marsh\, a waterbird hotspot where we’ll spend some time before returning the way we came. We should see a variety of shorebirds\, ducks\, and wintering raptors and songbirds. You can read more about the birds of Rush Creek here. \nNorthern Shovelers by Ellen & Tony\nReserve your space by selecting your number of participants and clicking on “Confirm RSVP” above. This walk is now full; take a look at our November Walks & Talks for more walks at Rush Creek led by other local groups. We’ll be meeting at the main trailhead on Binford Road – see below for location details – at 9:00 AM on Saturday\, November 23 and wrapping up around 11:30. We’ll take our time walking a little less than three miles on a generally level fire road. Please leave pets at home and bring binoculars if you have them; we’ll have a few loaner pairs available as well as a spotting scope to share. There are no restrooms or other facilities at this preserve. \nWild Birds Unlimited bird walks are intended for persons in reasonably good health and physical condition. Participants must be capable of walking over uneven terrain and be adequately prepared for the prevailing outdoor conditions. By registering for this walk\, I acknowledge that participation entails known and unanticipated risks\, including personal injury to myself and others and property damage. Notwithstanding these risks\, I wish to assume them by voluntarily participating in these activities. I hereby release Wild Birds Unlimited and its officers\, employees\, and affiliates from any and all liability for any injury or loss arising out of my participation in these activities. \nTo reach Rush Creek\, exit Highway 101 at Atherton Ave in Novato. Heading east on Atherton\, make an immediate sharp left onto Binford Rd\, a frontage road running parallel to 101. Look for the trailhead and roadside parking 60 yards after turning onto Binford. \nHeader photo: Northern Harrier by Don Bartling
URL:https://natureinnovato.com/event/rush-creek-11-23-19/
LOCATION:Rush Creek Open Space Preserve\, 8186 Binford Rd\, Novato\, CA\, 94945\, United States
CATEGORIES:Walks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://natureinnovato.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Harrier-header-Don.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Wild Birds Unlimited":MAILTO:wbumarin@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20191116T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20191116T113000
DTSTAMP:20260427T092333
CREATED:20190403T010408Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20191102T212542Z
UID:4272-1573894800-1573903800@natureinnovato.com
SUMMARY:Bird Walk at Stafford Lake
DESCRIPTION:Spotted sandpiper\, the tail-bobber – Tony Gray\nJoin long-time Marin County Parks interpretative naturalist David Herlocker and Jack from Nature in Novato for this fall walk at Stafford Lake. We’ll look for songbirds and woodpeckers among the trees in the picnic area then work our way along the shore looking for waterfowl on the open water and shorebirds where the water has receded (spotted sandpiper hotspot!). Numerous raptors\, including potential eagles and osprey\, are frequently seen overhead. \nIf you would like to attend this walk\, please select your number of attendees and click “Confirm RSVP” above. This walk is now full; take a look at our November Walks & Talks for more upcoming events. \nDetails and Tips:  \n\nStafford Lake has a $5 vehicle parking fee\, payable by cash or credit card. You can also check out a free Marin County Parks pass at Marin County libraries.\nAfter entering the park\, turn left and park towards the left end of the parking lot\, near the restrooms. This is where our group will be meeting.\nNote that pets are not allowed in the park. Restrooms are available at the meeting location.\nIf you’d like to learn more about the birds we might encounter\, check out our park profile of Stafford Lake.\n\nLocation: Stafford Lake is located on the northwestern outskirts of Novato\, as you head west out of town on Novato Blvd. If you are coming from Highway 101\, take the Atherton/San Marin exit and head west on San Marin Dr. for about three miles. Turn right on Novato Blvd at the four-way stop after San Marin High School. Stafford Lake has a well-signed entrance and turn lane on the left hand side two-and-a-half miles from that intersection. Address for GPS is 3549 Novato Blvd. \nAfter passing the entry kiosk and paying the $5 park entrance fee\, turn left and proceed to the end of the parking lot. We’ll be meeting at this left end of the parking area\, shaded by bird-laden oaks\, but with convenient proximity to lake views and restrooms. \nHeader photo: Stafford Lake by Noondueler on summitpost.org \n 
URL:https://natureinnovato.com/event/stafford-11-16-19/
LOCATION:Stafford Lake Park\, 3549 Novato Blvd\, Novato\, CA\, 94947\, United States
CATEGORIES:Walks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://natureinnovato.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Stafford-header-noondueler.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Wild Birds Unlimited":MAILTO:wbumarin@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20191102T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20191102T120000
DTSTAMP:20260427T092333
CREATED:20180628T004049Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20190930T211208Z
UID:4137-1572692400-1572696000@natureinnovato.com
SUMMARY:Seminar: Birding Northeast Marin
DESCRIPTION:Pileated Woodpecker – Mark Moschell\nIn this presentation at the Novato Library\, we’ll provide a broad overview of the birds our home territory has to offer\, interspersed with myriad little tips of astoundingly helpful specificity. Whether you’re a neophyte or long-time birder\, this presentation will give you insights into our local birdlife that you can’t get anywhere else. We’ll cover topics like: \n\nWhere are the best birding locations in Novato and San Rafael? What are some of the most notable specialty birds of these different hotspots and when and how can you find them? (For example\, if you would like to see a Lazuli Bunting or Pileated Woodpecker\, where should you go?)\nHow many different bird species do we have over the course of a year in Northeast Marin? What are our local patterns of seasonal migration – when do different groups of birds arrive and depart?\nWhat different habitat types do we have in our area? Learning how to recognize different plant communities and wetland types is the key to understanding why certain birds are found only in certain areas. Which local preserves host which communities of birds\, plants\, and other wildlife?\nWhat are the most useful tools and resources that will help you to see more birds – without more travel? People know this stuff: how can you tap into that knowledge through books\, first-hand contacts\, and online resources? (First hint: use eBird.)\n\nSo if you’d like to see more birds in your everyday life\, discover under-the-radar local hotspots\, or better understand the place where you live\, this is the talk for you! \nThe presentation will take place at the Novato Library from 11 AM – 12 PM on Saturday\, November 2. No registration necessary.  \nHeader photo: lazuli bunting on Mount Burdell by Larry Scheibel
URL:https://natureinnovato.com/event/local-birding-talk-11-2-19/
LOCATION:Novato Library\, 1720 Novato Blvd\, Novato\, CA\, 94947\, United States
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://natureinnovato.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/laz-larry.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Wild Birds Unlimited":MAILTO:wbumarin@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20191020T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20191020T110000
DTSTAMP:20260427T092333
CREATED:20180523T215442Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20191020T002708Z
UID:4056-1571565600-1571569200@natureinnovato.com
SUMMARY:Backyard Birding by Ear: Fall Edition
DESCRIPTION:Comic by bird and moon\nThe birdsong peak of spring and summer has passed. But birds don’t go silent in fall! With the hubbub of the nesting season choral competition now faded away\, it’s a great time to focus on the distinctive calls and non-song vocalizations of our common backyard birds. When you start to recognize birds by ear\, you’ll be quickly alerted to the arrival of an old friend\, perk your ears up when an unfamiliar visitor enters the yard\, and generally notice twice as many birds as you did in your eyesight-only days. In short: nothing will help you to observe more birds more than learning their songs and calls\, and there’s no better place to start recognizing their vocalizations than in your own yard. \nIn this in-store presentation\, we’ll be playing and discussing how to recognize about 20 common backyard birds by the sounds they make in fall. In addition to the nitty-gritty\, call-by-call material\, we’ll also discuss the purpose of different bird vocalizations and the tips\, tricks\, and techniques that will make it easier both to remember these birds and to learn others in the future. \nThis free presentation at Wild Birds Unlimited of Novato will begin at 10 AM on Sunday\, October 20 and last about 45 minutes\, with time for questions afterwards – bird sound identification challenges are welcome! If you would like to attend\, please reserve your space by choosing your number of attendees and clicking “Confirm RSVP” above.  \nHeader image: Oak titmouse by S. Hunt
URL:https://natureinnovato.com/event/birding-by-ear-10-20-19/
LOCATION:Wild Birds Unlimited\, 104 Vintage Way\, Ste. A-7\, Novato\, CA\, 94945\, United States
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://natureinnovato.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/S-Hunt-Titmouse-header.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Wild Birds Unlimited":MAILTO:wbumarin@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20191019T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20191019T120000
DTSTAMP:20260427T092333
CREATED:20180828T220642Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20191007T181546Z
UID:4052-1571475600-1571486400@natureinnovato.com
SUMMARY:Hamilton Wetlands "Behind the Scenes" Birding
DESCRIPTION:Our full array of winter shorebirds and have now arrived\, and there is no better local area for large numbers and diversity of plovers\, sandpipers\, stilts\, avocets\, and much more than at the restored Hamilton Wetlands in Novato. By mid-October\, waterfowl and raptor numbers will also be nearing their peak\, and winter songbirds like Say’s phoebes and Lincoln’s sparrows will be in place. On this special “behind the scenes” trip\, we’ll travel in carpools on levees roads normally closed to public access from where we’ll get unique views of the wetlands as we approach the breach to San Pablo Bay. Our guides will be David Sexton\, long-time bird monitor throughout the restoration project\, and Jack from Wild Birds Unlimited\, who also volunteers with the Hamilton bird monitoring. To learn more about some of the birds we’ll see\, take a look at our Hamilton Wetlands profile. \nReserve your space by selecting your number of participants and clicking on “Confirm RSVP” above.  This trip is now fully booked. Check back soon for November’s events! \nNorthern Shovelers by Ellen & Tony\nWe will be meeting at the skate park parking lot at 1200 Hamilton Parkway in Novato at 9 AM on Saturday\, October 19th. From there we will gather into as few vehicles as possible before continuing into the wetlands restoration area. We will start with a  brief visit with Christina McWhorter\, director of the restoration project\, to learn more about the ongoing work to welcome native plants and wildlife back to the area (last restrooms available here at the nursery). We’ll spend the bulk of our time birding near our convoy of cars at a few stops along the levee\, with perhaps a short walk at adjacent Pacheco Pond if we have extra time before getting back to the starting location around noon. \nThis field trip will potentially have a small amount of level walking\, but will mostly involve slow travel by car with birding at designated stopping points. Participants should be prepared to stay for the whole duration of the walk and to carpool\, as we will be required to compress into as few vehicles as possible. Please leave pets at home and bring binoculars if you have them; we’ll have a few loaner pairs available as well as a few spotting scopes to share. \nWild Birds Unlimited bird walks are intended for persons in reasonably good health and physical condition. Participants must be capable of walking over uneven terrain and be adequately prepared for the prevailing outdoor conditions. By registering for this walk\, I acknowledge that participation entails known and unanticipated risks\, including personal injury to myself and others and property damage. Notwithstanding these risks\, I wish to assume them by voluntarily participating in these activities. I hereby release Wild Birds Unlimited and its officers\, employees\, and affiliates from any and all liability for any injury or loss arising out of my participation in these activities. \nHeader image: A flock of “peeps” (least or western sandpipers) takes flight\, photo by Don McCullough on Flickr. I love watching those big undulating flocks – Hamilton is the place to see them around here. 
URL:https://natureinnovato.com/event/hamilton-10-19-19/
LOCATION:Hamilton Wetlands – Skatepark Lot\, 1200 Hamilton Parkway\, Novato\, CA\, 94949\, United States
CATEGORIES:Walks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://natureinnovato.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Peep-flock-Don-McCullough-.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Wild Birds Unlimited":MAILTO:wbumarin@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20191014
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20191015
DTSTAMP:20260427T092333
CREATED:20190831T222052Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20190917T002746Z
UID:3996-1571011200-1571097599@natureinnovato.com
SUMMARY:Bird-A-Thon 2019
DESCRIPTION:Owners and staff from Wild Birds Unlimited in Novato are closing shop on October 14\, 2019 to participate in this year’s Point Blue Bird-a-Thon. We’ll be hitting a variety of our favorite spots across Novato and San Rafael as we look to surpass our 2018 count of 101 species in support of Point Blue’s work. \nPoint Blue (formerly known as Point Reyes Bird Observatory) is a leading force in avian and ecological research that advances bird conservation in the face of threats from climate change\, habitat loss\, and other threats. They act both locally and globally to conduct science\, aid restoration efforts\, and education the public and future generations about sound conservation practices. Please visit our Bird-a-Thon page to donate to support our team and the work of Point Blue.  \nWe don’t have room for everyone on this day of fast-paced\, intense birding\, but take a look at our other upcoming events and local walks\, or our listing of local birding sites to explore on your own. 
URL:https://natureinnovato.com/event/point-blue-bird-a-thon-2019/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://natureinnovato.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/point-blue-header.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Wild Birds Unlimited":MAILTO:wbumarin@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20191012T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20191012T123000
DTSTAMP:20260427T092333
CREATED:20180320T225907Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20190925T213052Z
UID:4046-1570872600-1570883400@natureinnovato.com
SUMMARY:San Rafael Bay Trail Bird Walk
DESCRIPTION:Join guest leader Rich Cimino from Yellowbilled Tours and Jack from Wild Birds Unlimited for this walk on San Rafael’s Bay Trail. This is some of our closest access to the immediate bayshore\, giving us a chance to see shorebirds\, gulls\, and a wide variety of ducks and grebes. Species that favor open\, deep water like ruddy ducks\, scaups\, bufflehead\, and the larger Clark’s and western grebes can often be seen here. We will also look for the Puget Sound variety of White-Crowned Sparrow and other songbirds. For more on the birds found here\, check out the eBird Hotspot. \nBring binoculars (and a spotting scope if you have one); we will have a few extra loaner pairs of binos and a few scopes to share. The trail is level and easy walking (mostly paved) and extends about 1.5 miles to the north (3 miles round trip). Restrooms available at the trailhead. \nHorned grebe – Becky Matsubara\nReserve your space by selecting your number of participants and clicking on “Confirm RSVP” above. \nWild Birds Unlimited bird walks are intended for persons in reasonably good health and physical condition. Participants must be capable of walking over uneven terrain and be adequately prepared for the prevailing outdoor conditions. By registering for this walk\, I acknowledge that participation entails known and unanticipated risks\, including personal injury to myself and others and property damage. Notwithstanding these risks\, I wish to assume them by voluntarily participating in these activities. I hereby release Wild Birds Unlimited and its officers\, employees\, and affiliates from any and all liability for any injury or loss arising out of my participation in these activities. \nDirections to meeting area: The walk will begin at 9:30 AM on Saturday\, October 12th at the southern end of the San Rafael Bay Trail section\, at the petite Jean and John Starkweather Shoreline Park\, located at the end of Francisco Blvd shortly before the Richmond Bridge entrance (see map below; if your GPS does not recognize the 2175 San Francisco Bay Trail address of the park\, you can also use 2171 Francisco Blvd for the adjacent office building). \nHeader photo: Spotted Sandpiper by Tony Gray
URL:https://natureinnovato.com/event/sr-bay-trail-10-12-19/
LOCATION:Starkweather Shoreline Park\, 2175 San Francisco Bay Trail\, San Rafael\, CA\, 94901\, United States
CATEGORIES:Walks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://natureinnovato.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Spotted-sandpiper-Tony-Gray-3x2.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Wild Birds Unlimited":MAILTO:wbumarin@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190928T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190928T113000
DTSTAMP:20260427T092333
CREATED:20180320T225907Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20190903T183048Z
UID:3951-1569663000-1569670200@natureinnovato.com
SUMMARY:Hamilton Bird Walk
DESCRIPTION:American Avocet – Allan Hack\nJoin guest leader Daniel Edelstein and Jack from Wild Birds Unlimited for a fall walk on the Bay Trail at the Hamilton Wetlands. The expansive restored wetlands attract thousands of shorebirds\, waterfowl\, and other birds in the fall and winter months. Mudflats attract sandpipers\, plovers\, curlews and more; shallow water fills with stilts\, avocets\, yellowlegs\, and willets – nowhere else in Novato attracts a wider variety of shorebirds. Hamilton is also a great place for seeing raptors like kites\, harriers\, and falcons. \nReserve your space by selecting your number of participants and clicking on “Confirm RSVP” above. This walk is now full; to get early notification of future events\, subscribe to email updates from Nature in Novato here. We’ll be meeting at the parking area of the South Novato Park near the end of Hangar Ave (see directions below). Note that this walk includes a few miles of leisurely walking on a flat\, level trail. There are portable toilets at the trailhead. \nWild Birds Unlimited bird walks are intended for persons in reasonably good health and physical condition. Participants must be capable of walking over uneven terrain and be adequately prepared for the prevailing outdoor conditions. By registering for this walk\, I acknowledge that participation entails known and unanticipated risks\, including personal injury to myself and others and property damage. Notwithstanding these risks\, I wish to assume them by voluntarily participating in these activities. I hereby release Wild Birds Unlimited and its officers\, employees\, and affiliates from any and all liability for any injury or loss arising out of my participation in these activities. \nDirections to South Novato Park parking lot: From Highway 101 take the Ignacio/Bel Marin Keys exit. Stay right onto Nave Drive .7 mi\, go left at Main Gate Rd\, .4 mi\, Main Gate Rd becomes S Palm Dr\, .5mi\, turn right onto Hangar Ave. The parking lot is near the end of Hangar Ave. on the right beneath the solar panels. \nHeader photo: Sandpiper flock by Don McCullough. 
URL:https://natureinnovato.com/event/hamilton-9-28-19/
LOCATION:Hamilton – Sports Field Lot\, Hangar Ave and Maybeck St\, Novato\, CA\, 94949\, United States
CATEGORIES:Walks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://natureinnovato.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Peep-flock-Don-McCullough-.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Wild Birds Unlimited":MAILTO:wbumarin@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190908T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190908T110000
DTSTAMP:20260427T092333
CREATED:20180801T000512Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20190826T224718Z
UID:3943-1567936800-1567940400@natureinnovato.com
SUMMARY:Shorebird Seminar
DESCRIPTION:Even when not yawning\, snowy plovers are very cute. Photo by Jason Crotty.\nLate summer is when the shorebirds arrive from their arctic breeding grounds\, fill up our mudflats and wetlands\, and amaze us with their swirling flocks\, graceful necks and legs\, and ridiculously long bills. Join us on Sunday\, September 8th from 10-10:45 AM for a free in-store seminar on how to find\, identify\, and appreciate all those wonderful names: sandpiper\, plover\, willet\, godwit\, curlew\, and more. We’ll be covering the 23 species regularly seen in Northeast Marin\, discussing identification\, migration\, timing\, life history\, and sharing our inside tips on the best local sites for shorebird watching (that would include Hamilton for mudflats and Loch Lomond for rocks). \nThis free presentation at Wild Birds Unlimited of Novato will begin at 10 AM on Sunday\, September 8th and last about 45 minutes\, with time for questions afterwards. If you would like to attend\, please reserve your space by choosing your number of attendees and clicking “Confirm RSVP” above.  \nCan’t make it to the talk? See our two-part article on our local shorebirds: Part 1 – The Minor Families and Part 2 – The Sandpipers. \nHeader photo: Curlews and godwits by Ingrid Taylar
URL:https://natureinnovato.com/event/shorebird-talk-9-8-19/
LOCATION:Wild Birds Unlimited\, 104 Vintage Way\, Ste. A-7\, Novato\, CA\, 94945\, United States
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://natureinnovato.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/curlews-and-godwits-ingrid-taylar.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Wild Birds Unlimited":MAILTO:wbumarin@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190821T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190821T200000
DTSTAMP:20260427T092333
CREATED:20180822T012510Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20190624T184552Z
UID:3722-1566414000-1566417600@natureinnovato.com
SUMMARY:Backyard Birds of Marin at Novato Library
DESCRIPTION:Oak Titmouse – Becky Matsubara\nJoin Jack at the Novato Library for this introduction to our most common and notable backyard birds. We’ll discuss about 20 different species that you can see in your yard right now\, explaining the essential basics: \n\nHow to identify them: what is that bird you’re always seeing?\nThe best ways to attract them with feeders or nesting boxes. What foods should you offer?\nTheir migration patterns – who’s here now? When will they leave?\n\nPlus myriad other tips and insights to help you generally become more friendly and familiar with our backyard bird species. \n* * * \nCan’t make it to this seminar? Check out our two articles: Backyard Birds I – Finches and Sparrows and Backyard Birds II – The Rest of the Top 20. But come to the talk if you can – we’ll tailor the bird selection to the season\, go into more depth\, and be available to answer questions and go off on unpredictably fruitful tangents. \n* * * \nThis free presentation at the Novato Library will begin at 7 PM on Wednesday\, August 21 and last about 45 minutes\, with time for questions afterwards. No registration required.  \nHeader photo: Lesser and American goldfinches on Nyjer feeder.
URL:https://natureinnovato.com/event/backyard-talk-8-21-19/
LOCATION:Novato Library\, 1720 Novato Blvd\, Novato\, CA\, 94947\, United States
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://natureinnovato.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/ecoclean-finch-header.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Wild Birds Unlimited":MAILTO:wbumarin@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190727T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190727T150000
DTSTAMP:20260427T092333
CREATED:20180721T191103Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20190724T203221Z
UID:3729-1564225200-1564239600@natureinnovato.com
SUMMARY:Wild Birds Unlimited 9th Anniversary
DESCRIPTION:Eurasian Eagle-Owl at last year’s partyPhoto by Mark Schulist\nJoin us at Wild Birds Unlimited at Vintage Oaks for our 9th Anniversary Celebration! \nThe Event \nThe main event is on Saturday\, 7/27 from 11-3. During that time\, we’ll be joined by special guests from Native Bird Connections and the Bird Rescue Center of Sonoma – including live owls and other birds! We’ll also have refreshments\, an ongoing drawing for nine great prizes\, and special sales on our most popular products. \nThe Sale \nEven if you can’t make it during the Saturday event\, the sales and drawing are ongoing from Thursday the 25th through Sunday the 28th. \nAll Hot Pepper Products and No-Mess Bird Seed 20% off \nAutomatic entry with any purchase into a drawing for nine great prizes\, including a year’s supply of seed\, a high quality pair of Vanguard binoculars\, a deluxe birdfeeding pole setup\, and a number of our favorite bird feeders.
URL:https://natureinnovato.com/event/wbu-9th-anniversary/
LOCATION:Wild Birds Unlimited\, 104 Vintage Way\, Ste. A-7\, Novato\, CA\, 94945\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://natureinnovato.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Storefront-2016-Wide.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Wild Birds Unlimited":MAILTO:wbumarin@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190721T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190721T110000
DTSTAMP:20260427T092333
CREATED:20180628T004049Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20190625T195519Z
UID:3731-1563703200-1563706800@natureinnovato.com
SUMMARY:Seminar: Trees of Marin
DESCRIPTION:What is this leaf?\nWe talk a lot about birds – but not exclusively! In our July talk\, we’ll be introducing you to all the major native trees of Marin. Getting to grips with the bulk of our trees is easier than doing the same with birds: these 25 or so species will cover 95% of what you encounter in our woodlands and forests. Spend a relaxing hour with us one Sunday morning and you’ll be prepared to both identify and understand our local trees. Questions like the following will no longer be a mystery to you: \n\nHow do tell a redwood from a Douglas-fir? Do we have giant sequoias here?\nWhat is Marin’s one native pine tree? What is the other one that you see everywhere?\nMadrone or manzanita?\n\nJack’s favorite oak? It’s this one.\nWhere will I find willows\, alders\, or maples?\nWhich oak is that?\nWhat’s going on with Sudden Oak Death?\nWhat are the best field guides to local trees?\nAnd perhaps most importantly\, which is Jack’s favorite oak species?\n\nThis free presentation will take place at Wild Birds Unlimited at Vintage Oaks from 10-10:45 AM on Sunday\, July 21\, with time for questions afterwards. Please reserve your seat by selecting your number of attendees and clicking “Confirm RSVP” above. \n  \nHeader photo: redwoods at Indian Tree Open Space Preserve. Mystery leaf: California buckeye. Favorite oak? If you can’t recognize it\, you’ll have to come to the talk. Or read through all the tree essays on this blog.
URL:https://natureinnovato.com/event/trees-talk-7-21-19/
LOCATION:Wild Birds Unlimited\, 104 Vintage Way\, Ste. A-7\, Novato\, CA\, 94945\, United States
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://natureinnovato.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Redwood-Feature.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Wild Birds Unlimited":MAILTO:wbumarin@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190716T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190716T110000
DTSTAMP:20260427T092333
CREATED:20180822T012510Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20190626T231535Z
UID:3726-1563271200-1563274800@natureinnovato.com
SUMMARY:Family Birding at Novato Library
DESCRIPTION:House Finch – Risa George\nJoin the Nature in Novato team as we look for birds in the trees and creek around the Novato library! Kids and families are welcome at this beginner event\, where we’ll teach you how to find and recognize some of our most common birds. We’ll also discuss where and how different birds live: which ones eat acorns in the oak trees? Which catch insects over the creek? We’ll practice using binoculars\, identifying birds\, and understanding how each one is specially adapted to its unique place in nature. \nThis free event at the Novato Library will begin at 10 AM on Tuesday\, July 16 and last about one hour. No registration required. Please bring binoculars if you have them; we will have a limited number of pairs available to share. \nHeader photo: Dark-eyed junco by S. Hunt
URL:https://natureinnovato.com/event/library-birding-7-16-19/
LOCATION:Novato Library\, 1720 Novato Blvd\, Novato\, CA\, 94947\, United States
CATEGORIES:Talks,Walks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://natureinnovato.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Junco-S-Hunt.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Wild Birds Unlimited":MAILTO:wbumarin@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190714T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190714T100000
DTSTAMP:20260427T092333
CREATED:20180627T213713Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20190708T172405Z
UID:3740-1563091200-1563098400@natureinnovato.com
SUMMARY:Mount Burdell Bird Walk
DESCRIPTION:Lazuli Bunting – Larry Scheibel\nJoin Jack and Corrina for a summer walk on Mount Burdell. We’ll enjoy the tag end of the birdsong season and look for young birds from summer breeders\, including potential Bullock’s orioles\, lark sparrows\, house wrens\, lazuli buntings\, violet-green swallows\, and various flycatchers. We’ll also enjoy the year-round attractions of Mount Burdell\, including bluebirds\, acorn woodpeckers\, and the magnificent oak trees. \nThis walk is now fully booked. To learn more about the birds of the preserve and explore on your own\, check out our profile of Mount Burdell. Reserve your space by selecting your number of participants and clicking on “Confirm RSVP” above. We’ll be meeting at the main trailhead on San Andreas Dr. (see below for directions) at 8:00 AM on Sunday\, July 14 and wrapping up around 10:00 AM. Note that this walk includes a few miles of leisurely walking on fire roads with a few hundred feet of gentle elevation gain. There are no restrooms or other facilities at this preserve. \nWild Birds Unlimited bird walks are intended for persons in reasonably good health and physical condition. Participants must be capable of walking over uneven terrain and be adequately prepared for the prevailing outdoor conditions. By registering for this walk\, I acknowledge that participation entails known and unanticipated risks\, including personal injury to myself and others and property damage. Notwithstanding these risks\, I wish to assume them by voluntarily participating in these activities. I hereby release Wild Birds Unlimited and its officers\, employees\, and affiliates from any and all liability for any injury or loss arising out of my participation in these activities. \nHeader photo: Lark sparrow on Mount Burdell by Larry Scheibel
URL:https://natureinnovato.com/event/burdell-7-14-19/
LOCATION:Mount Burdell – San Andreas Trailhead\, 538-598 San Andreas Dr\, Novato\, CA\, 94945\, United States
CATEGORIES:Walks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://natureinnovato.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/lark-sparrow-larry-scheibel.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Wild Birds Unlimited":MAILTO:wbumarin@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190707T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190707T100000
DTSTAMP:20260427T092333
CREATED:20180627T232759Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20190620T221247Z
UID:3662-1562486400-1562493600@natureinnovato.com
SUMMARY:Indian Tree Bird Walk
DESCRIPTION:Join Jack for a small group walk at Indian Tree Open Space Preserve. This underappreciated preserve is lightly traveled and offers Novato’s only real conifer forest\, as well as a diverse broadleaf woodland and some more open areas near the trailhead. We’ll explore a small section of these worlds\, primarily looking and listening for forest songbirds and their young\, including purple finches\, Wilson’s warblers\, pacific-slope flycatchers\, Pacific wrens\, wood-pewees\, and more. Although the nesting season is well advanced\, we’ll start early enough in the day that we should still hear some bird song. To learn more about the birds of Indian Tree\, see our site profile.  \nThis walk is now fully booked. Reserve your space by selecting your number of participants and clicking on “Confirm RSVP” above. We’ll be meeting at the main trailhead at the end of Vineyard Rd (the paved part – see below for location details) at 8:00 AM on Sunday\, July 7 and wrapping up around 10:00. Narrow trails and sneakier birds means we’re limiting this walk to a small group size so that everyone can hear and see the same birds. We’ll take our time walking around two miles\, with up to a few hundred feet of elevation gain in the shaded woods. Please leave pets at home and bring binoculars if you have them; we’ll have a few loaner pairs available. There are no restrooms or other facilities at this preserve. \nWild Birds Unlimited bird walks are intended for persons in reasonably good health and physical condition. Participants must be capable of walking over uneven terrain and be adequately prepared for the prevailing outdoor conditions. By registering for this walk\, I acknowledge that participation entails known and unanticipated risks\, including personal injury to myself and others and property damage. Notwithstanding these risks\, I wish to assume them by voluntarily participating in these activities. I hereby release Wild Birds Unlimited and its officers\, employees\, and affiliates from any and all liability for any injury or loss arising out of my participation in these activities. \nPac-slope Flycatcher by BW\n 
URL:https://natureinnovato.com/event/indian-tree-7-7-19/
LOCATION:Indian Tree Open Space Preserve\, 3221 Vineyard Rd\, Novato\, CA\, 94947\, United States
CATEGORIES:Walks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://natureinnovato.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Redwood-Feature.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Wild Birds Unlimited":MAILTO:wbumarin@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190622T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190622T100000
DTSTAMP:20260427T092333
CREATED:20180628T004049Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20190621T155122Z
UID:3502-1561194000-1561197600@natureinnovato.com
SUMMARY:Seminar: Birding Northeast Marin
DESCRIPTION:Pileated Woodpecker – Mark Moschell\nHere at Nature in Novato and in our store at Wild Birds Unlimited\, we’re focused on encouraging the appreciation of local nature.  In this in-store talk\, we’ll provide a broad overview of the birds our home territory has to offer\, interspersed with myriad little tips of astoundingly helpful specificity. Whether you’re a neophyte or long-time birder\, this presentation will give you insights into our local birdlife that you can’t get anywhere else. We’ll cover topics like: \n\nWhere are the best birding locations in Novato and San Rafael? What are some of the most notable specialty birds of these different hotspots and when and how can you find them? (For example\, if you would like to see a Lazuli Bunting or Pileated Woodpecker\, where should you go?)\nHow many different bird species do we have over the course of a year in Northeast Marin? What are our local patterns of seasonal migration – when do different groups of birds arrive and depart?\nWhat different habitat types do we have in our area? Learning how to recognize different plant communities and wetland types is the key to understanding why certain birds are found only in certain areas. Which local preserves host which communities of birds\, plants\, and other wildlife?\nWhat are the most useful tools and resources that will help you to see more birds – without more travel? People know this stuff: how can you tap into that knowledge through books\, first-hand contacts\, and online resources? (First hint: use eBird.)\n\nSo if you’d like to see more birds in your everyday life\, discover under-the-radar local hotspots\, or better understand the place where you live\, this is the talk for you! \nThe presentation will take place in our store at Wild Birds Unlimited at Vintage Oaks from 9-9:45 AM on Saturday\, June 22\, with time for questions afterwards. Of course\, we always have time for bird questions! Please reserve your seat by selecting your number of attendees and clicking “Confirm RSVP” above. This talk is now fully booked. \nHeader photo: lazuli bunting on Mount Burdell by Larry Scheibel
URL:https://natureinnovato.com/event/local-birding-talk-6-22-19/
LOCATION:Wild Birds Unlimited\, 104 Vintage Way\, Ste. A-7\, Novato\, CA\, 94945\, United States
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://natureinnovato.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/laz-larry.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Wild Birds Unlimited":MAILTO:wbumarin@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190609T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190609T110000
DTSTAMP:20260427T092333
CREATED:20180627T213713Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20190601T225536Z
UID:3425-1560069000-1560078000@natureinnovato.com
SUMMARY:Mount Burdell Bird Walk
DESCRIPTION:Lazuli Bunting – Larry Scheibel\nJoin guest leader Heather Cameron and Jack from Wild Birds Unlimited for a summer walk on Mount Burdell. We’ll be enjoying the later part of the birdsong season and looking for young birds from summer breeders\, including potential Bullock’s orioles\, lark and chipping sparrows\, lazuli buntings\, and various swallows and flycatchers. We’ll also enjoy the year-round attractions of Mount Burdell\, including bluebirds\, acorn woodpeckers\, and the magnificent oak trees. \nReserve your space by selecting your number of participants and clicking on “Confirm RSVP” above. This walk is now fully booked. To learn more about the birds of the preserve and explore on your own\, check out our profile of Mount Burdell. We’ll be meeting at the main trailhead on San Andreas Dr. (see below for directions) at 8:30 AM on Sunday\, June 9 and wrapping up around 11:00 AM. Note that this walk includes a few miles of leisurely walking on fire roads with a few hundred feet of gentle elevation gain. There are no restrooms or other facilities at this preserve. \nWild Birds Unlimited bird walks are intended for persons in reasonably good health and physical condition. Participants must be capable of walking over uneven terrain and be adequately prepared for the prevailing outdoor conditions. By registering for this walk\, I acknowledge that participation entails known and unanticipated risks\, including personal injury to myself and others and property damage. Notwithstanding these risks\, I wish to assume them by voluntarily participating in these activities. I hereby release Wild Birds Unlimited and its officers\, employees\, and affiliates from any and all liability for any injury or loss arising out of my participation in these activities. \nHeader photo: Lark sparrow on Mount Burdell by Larry Scheibel
URL:https://natureinnovato.com/event/burdell-6-9-19/
LOCATION:Mount Burdell – San Andreas Trailhead\, 538-598 San Andreas Dr\, Novato\, CA\, 94945\, United States
CATEGORIES:Walks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://natureinnovato.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/lark-sparrow-larry-scheibel.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Wild Birds Unlimited":MAILTO:wbumarin@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190605T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190605T200000
DTSTAMP:20260427T092333
CREATED:20180822T012510Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20190508T224431Z
UID:3430-1559761200-1559764800@natureinnovato.com
SUMMARY:Raptors of Marin at Novato Library
DESCRIPTION:Red-shouldered Hawk – Susie Kelly\nWhat kind of owl are you hearing at night? Where can you see a peregrine falcon or bald eagle? Is that red-tailed hawk going to eat your backyard songbirds\, your puppy\, or none of the above? \nIn this free presentation at the Novato library\, we take one of our most popular presentations on the road to teach more people about our local hawks\, falcons\, eagles\, and other raptors. We’ll cover around 20 bird species\, including all of our local daytime birds of prey as well as a few of our most notable owls. We’ll discuss how to identify the familiar species with confidence\, where to find the less common birds\, and answer all the hawk questions you can muster for us. \nThis free presentation at the Novato library will begin at 7 PM on Wednesday\, June 5th and last about 45 minutes\, with time for questions afterwards. No registration required.  \nHeader photo: Red-tailed Hawk by Don Bartling
URL:https://natureinnovato.com/event/hawk-talk-6-5-19/
LOCATION:Novato Library\, 1720 Novato Blvd\, Novato\, CA\, 94947\, United States
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://natureinnovato.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Red-tail-header-Don.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Wild Birds Unlimited":MAILTO:wbumarin@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190526T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190526T113000
DTSTAMP:20260427T092333
CREATED:20180529T232340Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20190424T215452Z
UID:3278-1558861200-1558870200@natureinnovato.com
SUMMARY:Olompali Bird Walk
DESCRIPTION:Hooded orioles are sometimes seen around the garden area – Susie Kelly\nJoin guest leader Rich Cimino of Yellowbilled Tours and Jack from Wild Birds Unlimited on this bird walk at Olompali State Historic Park on the north side of Novato. We’ll undertake an easy exploration of the historic garden areas and adjacent natural woodlands\, looking for birds such as hooded orioles\, Steller’s jays\, bluebirds and other flycatchers\, a variety of woodpeckers\, and many other summer songbirds. To learn more about the birds we might find on the trip\, see our profile of Olompali.  \nReserve your space by selecting your number of participants and clicking on “Confirm RSVP” above; the walk is limited to a small group so that everyone can see and hear the birds and leaders. We’ll meet at Olompali at 9 AM on Sunday\, May 26\, and wrap up around 11:30 AM. Walking will be slow paced and mostly level\, with a short stretch of very mild elevation gain as we explore the garden area and lowest section of the loop trail. Portable toilets available at entrance. Note that there is an $8 entrance fee\, payable by cash\, for access to the State Park (park passes also accepted).  \nWild Birds Unlimited bird walks are intended for persons in reasonably good health and physical condition. Participants must be capable of walking over uneven terrain and be adequately prepared for the prevailing outdoor conditions. By registering for this walk\, I acknowledge that participation entails known and unanticipated risks\, including personal injury to myself and others and property damage. Notwithstanding these risks\, I wish to assume them by voluntarily participating in these activities. I hereby release Wild Birds Unlimited and its officers\, employees\, and affiliates from any and all liability for any injury or loss arising out of my participation in these activities. \nHeader photo: Acorn woodpecker and Steller’s jay by Christine Hansen \n 
URL:https://natureinnovato.com/event/olompali-5-26-19/
LOCATION:Olompali State Historic Park\, 8900 Redwood Blvd\, Novato\, CA\, 94945\, United States
CATEGORIES:Walks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://natureinnovato.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Woodie-glare-jay.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Wild Birds Unlimited":MAILTO:wbumarin@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR